Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Minimum Wage Decision Early Test For New Government
By convention, Cabinet would normally decide how much it will increase the Minimum Wage at Cabinet today.
“This will be an early test for this government, providing another another telling insight into the importance it places on supporting working kiwis” said Richard Wagstaff, NZCTU President.
“Ahead of the election, the coalition parties were all over the place on this issue – ACT was against any increases and National was muted. NZ First sought to increase it to $25an hour”.
“We know that the numbers of Māori, women, Pacific Peoples, disabled and other disadvantaged groups are over-represented among minimum wage earners. An increase to the rate makes a real difference to people on the poverty line.”
“These are also the very people doing it tough in a cost of living crisis and this Government has made it a priority to support people through these challenging times.
“In the absence of FPAs and large scale collective bargaining, the minimum wage is assuming greater and greater importance over time, as more and more Kiwis are employed on it”.
The previous government consistently increased the minimum wage, bringing it up from $15.75 in 2017 to $22.70 in 2023, a 44% increase overall.
In 2023, a full time minimum wage earner is getting $278 more a week than they were in 2017.
Treasury and the Reserve Bank are projecting that inflation will be 4.3% for the year ending 31 March 2024. This means the minimum wage needs to increase to at least $23.67 to ensure that minimum wage earners do not take a pay cut in real terms.
“We urge the Government to have a heart and do the right thing by those earning the least and maintain the momentum of the last few years – now more than ever that should be a priority,” said Richard Wagstaff.
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
Te Kauae Kaimahi
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi brings together over 350,000 New Zealand union members in 40 affiliated unions. We are the united voice for working people and their families in New Zealand.
Gordon Campbell: On Iran Killing Its Rappers, And Searching For The Invisible Dr. Reti
Labour Party: National Should Heed Tribunal Warning And Scrap Coalition Commitment With ACT
Government: Saves Access To Medicines
Office of the Speaker: Law And Order, Finance, And Defence A Focus For Ukrainian Parliamentary Delegation To NZ
Environmental Defence Society: Fast-track Approvals Bill Presents A Serious Risk To New Zealand Exporters
NZ Government: New Lab To Help Protect Key Pacific Tuna Fisheries
Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter: Ruawai Leader Slams Kaipara Council In Battle Over $400k Property
